Sushi near Target Field before game?

Coming to see Game 1 of playoff baseball at Target Field. Staying at the Best Western Normandy and am pretty certain we will hit up Hell's Kitchen for breakfast the day after; but looking for a good sushi place near the ballpark for beforehand (we're hoping to walk from the hotel to a beer at the Bulldog NE to dinner to the game).

I've seen recommendations for Origami and Nami - either of those more preferable than the other? Or is there any other place that's better and as close?

I find Nami to be superior generally, though Origami has the best selection of exotic stuff.

I would encourage you to revisit your timeline. The Bulldog is certainly walkable, but you'll want to budget 30 minutes for walking time to Nami (and 40 from the Normandy). Everything is going to be packed, and the service at Nami is notoriously indifferent anyway. I'd plan on getting to Nami when they open if you don't want to arrive at the ballpark at a comfortable time.

You can take the bus for $0.50 each way to the Bulldog (downtown zone) (If you have an iPhone or Android phone, your Google Map app will be boss for bus maps) from Nicollet you can take the 10, 6, 4 and 61 I believe.

If beer is your thing, Mac's Industrial is a block from Bulldog and has a greater focus on domestic crafts (rather than the excellent Belgians and imports @ Bulldog). I'd hit Bulldog first and Mac's if you have time.

As for sushi, Kevin outlined what are really your only two choices near the stadium. I enjoy the omkase at Origami, but for a quick bite at the sushi bar, Nami is better suited. I think they keep their fish a bit too cold, but that is me. They also don't have toro (otoro or chutoro) when I've been there. Still, it's not as bad as Ichiban.

I'm pretty certain the downtown 50 cent zone ends at the Hennepin Ave. bridge, but nonetheless cheap bus service is available, and on a nice day it certainly is walkable.

I prefer Origami over Nami in general , but Nami will have more sushi bar seats if that is what you are looking for. I think most people would say both are in our upper quartile of sushi places. The only other one that would make sense is Kikugawa in Riverplace, near Nicollet Island. I would rate it below both Nami and Origami.